A drama where just 10 stars are not enough.
Warm sunshine on a winter morning, or a cup of coffee on a rainy day- we all know how comfortable it feels like right? These are the only ways to describe this phenomenal piece of work named Meet Yourself.If I have to name one thing that I would watch every single day of my life without getting bored, it will be this drama. A slow-paced drama that doesn't feel slow but leaves you wanting to watch even more of it- sounds a bit exaggerated? But no, that is exactly what this drama is. 40 episodes that are about 45 minutes long each and I still want to watch about 40 more episodes of these sweet characters just going on with their lives, doing the most mundane things. I'm confident to say that I won't skip a second of it, just like I haven’t while watching the whole drama.
I won't name a favourite character because you know what? Every character shone. From our main leads whom we saw from episode 1-40 to Xie Qiang who was only seen in the last few episodes- everyone absolutely nailed their character. I smiled when they smiled, cried when they cried and laughed when they laughed.
The OST- every single song made me feel so much and was perfectly fit for the moment, the playlist is going to stay saved in my Spotify forever.Whenever "Days" played in the background it became hard for me to concentrate on the drama, it's such a soulful song that makes you think, hope and believe that everything will be fine, just take everyday as it is.And every time I hear "Saddle Of My Heart", it makes me pray and hope for a love like the one described in the song, the love that I felt between XZY and XHD.
This drama made me feel like I was there, I was also a part of the tiny, gorgeous, peaceful village of Yunnan. I iust know that nothing will ever top this drama for me, this will forever be in a league of it’s own. I will be recommending this masterpiece to everyone for the rest of my life.
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Showing simple normalcy for generations of SK women being gagged&bound by society's endemic sexism
"Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" puts every die-hard Korea fan through their paces: how far does the love for country and culture actually go? The KMovie also does away with any illusion surrounding romanticized and socially idealized yearnings that revolve around the concept of 'in love-engaged-married-happy family'."Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" broke the 2 million mark worldwide as a bestseller (by author Cho Nam-joo). It is also considered the most borrowed book in two consecutive years after publication. The KMovie was also extremely successful. In South Korea, between October 2019 and November 2020 around 3.6 million people went to the movies to watch. In addition, numerous prizes were awarded throughout Asia.
Calmly, unagitatedly and almost objectively distant, the camera focuses on the ordinary life of a typical South Korean woman, wife and mother in her 30s. Actually, she doing quite well. We accompany her in her everyday life between laundry and kindergarten, with her (actually quite attentive, loving) husband, with her in-laws, with her family of origin, with friends, with flashbacks of her childhood and at work, and finally with the therapist. This could all be any live of many a South Korean woman. That's not special at all. It's so cruelly normal that it even hurts. By showing simple normalcy, the story also becomes an outcry for several generations of women gagged and bound by society's endemic sexism.
Gagged and tied up by such a conservative, rigid, discriminatory socialization that is literally burned into flesh, so hardly anybody even considers alternative role models and self-images. There is a lack of role models that give women something like self-love and self-confidence that go beyond identifying with role expectations by family and society. Women somehow grow up as prisoners of those restrictive expectations - in a prison with doors, that technically are not closed, yet in practice barricaded by the mercilessly experienced sexism since early childhood. Accordingly, there is a lack of awareness of human dignity beyond gender roles. For women and men alike. And as we all know, such awareness would be the first path to any change...
In this respect, "Kim Ji-young: Born in 1982" holds up a merciless mirror in a calm, objective and non-judgmental manner, which focuses on the great evil that everyone simply takes for granted. Apparently, around 68 percent of cinemagoers were women. At least, the other 32 percent were men, supposedly.
In one of the last scenes, (which, like all the others in the film, gains its power from the simple, unquestioned und yet unbelievable normality) the underlying emotional muteness is finally allowed to speak up - not loudly and rudely though, but objectively subjectively and, despite all the justified anger, consistently in all modesty calmly, too.
In the face of the spilled coffee, instead of accepting the comments and accusations of her social environment with shame, concern and apologetic words, the FL has her outspoken objections. She eventually stands up for herself... actually, you should think, quite simply, as if it were a matter of course. And yet: downright unheard of. Because: Shameless in the best sense of the word... she no longer lets others shame her for what and who she is. She is slowly but surely developing a somewhat healthy approach to her own self-confidence as a person with self-worth and self-love beyond gender - a person who cannot be reduced by tradition to just a family concerned role concept within a hierarchical society. From this, the FL nurtures a new attitude towards those who traditionally believe they have more value in the social ranking.
Just a comparatively small, handy book; just a two hour movie. The story of Kim Ji-young, born in 1982, has sparked a lot of discussion throughout South Korea. The common, everyday (South Korean) madness shown knows how to touch and quietly infuriate. For me in faraway Germany, too, the KMovie wasn't boring for a minute.
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--- Outlook ---
'If everyone would act up like that... where would we end up?' - In this sense, the book and the film also led to a horrified outcry within conservative circles in the country. The main actors in the KMovie, for example, had to endure hateful comments for even taking part in it. Just this factual inventory of normal madness of just about every woman in the supposedly modern, innovative South Korea got conservative minds going...
...on the other hand, women affected finally received the balm of cross-class compassion, which for a moment opened up the space for solidary, cross-generational sisterhood. As insignificantly common and simple as Kim Ji-young, born in 1982, may be, the social impact was equally great - the consistently overlooked, completely disregarded reality that has been systematically carried out for countless generations out of principle and tradition, discrimination against (in this specific case) South Korean women.
South Korean society is already shrinking. Earlier than expected. And much faster than expected. No wonder.
Women born in the 1980s by now increasingly began to feel painful about their corsets. A milestone!
Those who were born in the 1990s and 2000s, some among them started to increasingly openly dare to actively shake up the social corset - simply by no longer accepting their 'certain' female role. Another milestone!
However, there is still a long way between shaking up and breaking out or even redefining. Eventually, women can only take this step together with men, who also urgently need to work on their role models, their attitude towards women and a new social self-image. Only then can the shrinking of South Korean society be stopped - a shrinking that, in my eyes, is an expression of a massive imbalance between innovative, turbo-capitalist high-speed in the global fast lane on the one hand, and an ignorant, sexist conservatism on the other, which acts like a lead foot screwed onto the brakes. Nevertheless, growing forces are apparently pushing for an urgently needed, integral, truly progressive transformation of existing values.
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quirky and unpredicatble
I had 0 expectations when I started this drama, and the first episode alone had me floored.I know a lot of people might compare it to Goblin, and as far as I know that drama writer was involved in this project as well. It does have a similar feel, but the story and characters are all new.
The story is very interesting, and unfolds slowly episode by episode. I couldn't really guess what's gonna happen next. It has some weak moments as the diety characters are bit juvenile, but at the same time this is a lighter drama so I don't mind. The whole destiny making aspect is well-executed and serves a s acore of the story. There are many twists and turns too, and there are no filler episodes either.
The cast is full of rookies, actors who still hasn't had that one hit work. Some you might know from webdramas, some have played minor characters in bigger projects. I'd say the casting is spot on, and acting is overall good. Male lead might come off as "wooden" but at the same time his character is on more... colder side? So it makes sense. Everyone in this drama has time to shine and their characters get enough screentime too.
Music in this drama works well to set the mood, I really enjoyed it. I like most of the songs, the OST is really good. Overall the production value of this project seems to be pretty high for a shorter drama. The cinematography is well-thought out and art design too is very pleasing.
I'd say this is a perfect short drama to watch during a lazy weekend. The story requires bit more focus but overall it's still a more light type of story. There are no villains or anything like that. The main villain is fate, I guess. I see this drama as an exploration of what a story really is and can a destiny play out on it's own? It's surely a drama that won't bore you.
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
Epos, drama & national frustration with impact – about the birthing era of Korean nationalism
"Bridal Mask" is a South Korean variety of Zorro - in this case hiding behind a historical Hahoetal ceremonial mask used in Korean tradition for satirical theater and shamanistic rites. The avenger of Japanese oppression hides behind the classic mask 'Gaksital', which symbolizes an innocent bride.This brings us to the central theme around which the dramaturgical web was spun: Korea's time under Japanese protectorate (1905-1910) and the annexation as a Japanese colony that followed a few years later (1910-1945). In this context, this KDrama has a lot to do with national self-image of the Korean people, which is still formative today. (If you are interested: See Side Note below.)
Accordingly, "Bridal Mask" was very successful as a KDrama and was extended by 4 episodes due to its success.
"Bridal Mask" is about the desperate attempt of the oppressed population to counteract the notorious oppression of the Japanese tormentors. As the story progresses, the rather inexcusably conformist anti-hero becomes the avenger of the downtrodden, whereas the once benevolent, noble, antirassist teacher becomes the unscrupulous avenging angel. The daughter of a Korean resistance fighter provides explosive fuel, turning best friends into bitter opponents and rivals for the heart of their beloved. Everything becomes dramatic in the highest degree - the romance, the bromance, as well as the resistance struggle against brutal oppressors, with or without bridal mask.
'Gaksital' squeaks into the most diverse excesses of Japanese tyranny, above all: torture as a common method of interrogation. The hero also thwarts the insidious with false promises recruited young women as sex slaves or comfort women for the Japanese soldiers. Finally, by his activities his compatriots are also encouraged to engage in civil disobedience.
The tyrannical, ruthless attacks of the colonial masters are historically documented. Active resistance from the population as well. However, the actual plot of the KDrama is completely fictitious: A Zorro-like swordsman behind a traditional bridal mask is not known. Also, at the time of the Japanese invasion, Joseon was already severely weakened politically. In this case, the assassination of the head of state is poetic liberty. (At the time of the emperor´s actual death in 1919, the country had already been a colony for 4 years.) Finally, the secret organization of the ´Kishokai´ and their vision for a greater Japanese empire are fictitious. This Kishokai did not exist. However, there is a kernel of truth in it, because ultra-nationalist secret societies, especially those associated with Japanese military, apparently existed actually.
Overall, the K-Drama brings a black chapter of painful Korean history with epic impact and highly dramatic emotional entanglements back to life. Eventually, the memory is perhaps still so painful, because it wasn't all that long ago. To date, there has been no reparation, remorse, or at least acknowledgment from the Japanese side for the suffering inflicted.
Japanese colonial rule is inseparably interwoven with the very special Korean national pride, because this period marks the birth of Korean nationalism in the first place. And the KDrama builds on that. "Bridal Mask" in that sense is first and foremost a highly Korean production for a Korean audience. (Nevertheless it is obviously gripping for an audience with other national backgrounds, too.)
By the way, it may also be no coincidence that the series aired on TV in 2012, when the Korean government first formally asked Japanese Emperor Akihito for an apology...
----------------- SIDENOTE: --- Romantic Korean nationalism ---
Whether Goryeo or Joseon, since the tribes of the peninsula were united under one ruling dynasty, the people lived largely introverted and rather isolated from the rest of the world until the late 19th century. Here and there the borders have always had to be defended against invaders or retaken, but the people on the peninsula had nevertheless remained adamant and had not actually actively mixed with others. Today, there is often talk of 'pure ethnic blood', which provides the breeding ground for a more romantically (vs. civic) tinged national identity: A Korean usually feels descended directly from the original ancestors. Consequently, a Korean will typically identify first with his/her ethnic roots and only then, at some point, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea.
This very special national identity was directly born out of the developments associated with the opening of the country and an increasing international presence at the end of the 19th century. On the one hand there was hope for flourishing trade and technical innovation, on the other hand suddenly the USA, along with China, Japan and Russia, also wanted a piece of the pie and - more or less aggressively and consistently - took advantage of the opportunity and sometimes also inexperienced naivety of Joseon. As a result, resistance formed and the nationalist struggle for independence was born. It was necessary to use all conceivable means to preserve the nation´s autonomy and to protect the heart of Korean culture from invasions and encroachments by foreign nations. Particularly, resistance was directed against Japan's ruthless interventions in robbing the Korean people of their language, their own names, their religion and their dignity. Japan's declared goal was to discriminate against the Korean people and to assimilate them by any means (... and Japan wasn´t even squeamish with its own civilian population, being known for its brutality...).
At that time, Japan had deployed an omnipresent, almost overwhelming military and police presence that can hardly be compared with European imperialism as we (i.e. Europeans, as I am) know it. Hardly a day went by when the invaders did not have direct, mostly deliberately humiliating contact with the civilian population. So 4 traumatic decades can become a very long time...
This national frustration, pain and anger is still formative in the collective emotional memory. With "Bridal Mask",this receives a contemporary emotional safety valve in KDrama guise.
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This review may contain spoilers
and they were "friends"
Overall: I was going to give this an 8 or higher, but the final episode was pretty disappointing so I gave it 7.5. Still decent to just turn off your brain if you want a silly/gentle series. Watched on Gagaoolala, also on Viki.Content Warnings: professor/student, boss/employee, age gap/1 character under 18?, pet death, taking pictures without consent
What I Liked
- the cute moments
- how Meow in his human form acted like a cat (fyi that Meow is a different species, he's not a cat and he's not a human)
- Meow not judging the truck driver based on looks and how in a later episode they brought back that character
- a couple subverted tropes like the love rival
- the cutesy OST fits the vibe of this series
- when there was comic book like editing
- neutral, comedy sound effects
Room For Improvement
- Dermdem thought Meow was 17 or 18 but Meow acts much younger (ie can't use a phone, doesn't know what a haircut is, doesn't know why people kiss on the cheek, gets lost in a market, throws a temper tantrum)
- based on Meow's child like behavior/age, I didn't want a steamy scene, but the final episode was really disappointing to the degree that I'd likely label this as a bromance/womance... two people even denied having a romantic relationship (one said friends, the other said roommates). I think we are supposed to believe that all three couples will turn romantic in the future but they needed to show/say just a little bit more with at least one of the three couples.
- not a fan of the wig (gets a haircut in ep 4)
- odd/plot hole/non logical things - the intern first stated she liked her boss from college but then said she saw her at a vet???
- the power imbalances in all of the couples (although the one who was in a position of power does not use it to manipulate at all)
- enough of having women gawking/taking pictures of two random guys in a public place
- the professor's flat expression, they did give it an explanation but I don't like flat affect characters
- Manni's ineptitude and what she did in the final episode instead of calling Jin
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A New Classic!
Alchemy of Souls is pure entertainment from start to finish! Sure, you'll see intense reactions of people complaining about plot holes, pacing and directing choices, etc. But name one beloved classic that doesn't have those (both plot issues and harsh critics). I'll wait. Edward Abbey was right: great art is never perfect; perfect art is never great.We need to keep in mind this is an avant-garde project. It is a multi-genre High fantasy show. Which sounds expensive, and it is. The production is mesmerizing. It drives me crazy to think about all the hard work put into this show. The show serves romance, action, comedy, and mystery with impeccable visuals complemented with a gorgeous OST.
Story-wise, it is essentially a classic fairy tale with some twists. A very familiar tale about love, friendship, and the perils of human greed. A character-driven story penned by the controversial Hong sisters. The writers spend a lot of time showing the characters' motivations, bonding moments, and cute quirks. You can always count on them to create the most memorable and charismatic characters, and Alchemy of Souls has plenty of them. The storyline is not that complex, so the writers opt for omitting things to keep us guessing what happens next. And when they unfold the events, they do it in a concise way, which might not be palatable to particular audiences. They also provide tons of comic relief. Even in the darkest episodes, you'll surely laugh. Especially when it comes to romance, the sisters are too unserious. The Love web (geometrical shapes were insufficient) is there, but there's no obnoxious rivalry.
The unusual nature of this project can make people feel weirded out. Alchemy of Souls is not just quirky; it introduces new/paradoxical experiences to the audience. You might think it's a Sageuk, but you'll see modern-looking styles and pop-culture references. The plot might seem cliché, but you can't predict it. You think you have reached the end but face a new beginning instead. Not everyone is comfortable around such new concepts, so I understand the rage.
Last but not least, this show beautifully displays some relevant messages. I'll focus on one message because this review is already too long. Throughout the series, you'll see the writers emphasizing that everyone can turn into a "monster"; either by choice (bad decisions) or by force (conceptions imposed by others). Then you see the male lead saying we can protect said monsters, keep them in check to achieve peace. It is a powerful statement, especially when getting rid of freaks and problematic people is the norm. Are we achieving peace by doing so? That's some food for thought.
Those are the reasons I think Alchemy of Souls should be considered a new classic. It excels at moving people with beauty and disturbing the conformed minds. It offers wholesome entertainment and also instigates passionate discussions. It is a light-hearted show, but it has its dark moments. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow comes out in December 2022!
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WHY IS THIS SHOW SO CUTE I CAN’T BREATHE!!!
Duang With You is literally my emotional support chaos. It’s so stupidly CUTE and unhinged in the best way that I’ll be sitting there giggling like an idiot one second and hiding my face in a blanket the next because WHY are they like this. The embarrassing moments hit so hard I physically curl up, but somehow that just makes it even funnier and even sweeter. It’s the kind of show that grabs your bad mood, shakes it around, and yeets it out the window.If you’re ever feeling low, bored, or just need something that feels like a sugar rush to the brain, watch it. It’s silly, it’s soft, it’s chaotic, and it absolutely works as a mood‑reset button. I SOOO recommend you to watch this!!!!! IT'S SOOOO GOOD!!! EEEKK!!
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A little formulaic, but cute
The acting and dialogue are good, and there's no useless uke. The wardrobe is spectacular, and it's an easy watch.Maybe too easy a watch - I don't have any clear memories of the earlier episodes, so it's a bit forgetable. A few things that stand out is that despite the large power differential, the characters are equals, which is a refreshing change from the Thai formula.
There is an unfortunate plot trope in the second-to-last episode that it would have been very nice to avoid - it's a real stinker - and their relationship changes a bit fast, so I think it could have used two more episodes, and I'm starting to worry that BL writers are all alcoholics, but all-in-all it's a cute series, the leads are very attractive, and you can't really go wrong by watching.
But you're unlikely to remember it a few weeks later.
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First things first. The music: Absolutely amazing. I love the way they make the music the epicenter of everything in this drama. Sure, it has a cast of wacky characters, but when it comes to the music, everything else just goes to the background. You forget the silliness and instead get lost in the musical atmosphere.
Secondly, character-wise I think Nodame is by far the cutest most silly and lovable female leads of all time. Chiaki, is just an absolute stud in this and I fell for this guy instantly. Some might complain about the romance between the two characters, calling them childish and what not. But I found it to be so entertaining and enjoyed ever minute! The rest of the characters are hard not to love and I found myself wishing a happy ending for each and every one of them.:))) (Especially disco guy! Hahaha.)
It was because of this drama, that I started playing the piano again. I had given up on it in high school, but this drama brought me back to it and helped me appreciate the world of classical music once again. :)
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This review may contain spoilers
From Belittled Concubine's Daughter to Respected Marquis's Wife
As a historical Cdrama lover, The Sword and the Brocade was certainly a delightful watch, giving an insight and story that is both informational and enjoyable. Set in the Ming Dynasty, viewers follow the journey of Luo Shiyi Niang, as she gains respect from the people around her as she rises from a concubine's daughter to the wife of a powerful marquis. As a 45 episode drama with 45 minutes per episode, I thoroughly enjoyed most of the drama, especially the progression and improvement of many characters' personalities.This is definitely not a low-budget drama, with colorful and intricate clothing, realistic Ming dynasty props, and nice sets. Shiyi Niang's clothing showed off her sunshiney personality and simplicity, showing off pastel colors of many shades to viewers. And rather than clothing that looked too royal and fancy, Shiyi Niang's clothing fit her personality perfectly.
Story-8.5:
If you enjoyed The Story of Minglan, you will most likely love this drama as well. The drama doesn't have a very spectacular plotline, but rather shows how the many characters in the drama changed as they experienced more of life, and the very inspirational outcomes from various circumstances.
Born in the rather influential Luo family, Luo Shiyi Niang (Luo= last name, Shiyi= 11, Niang= character given to all Luo girls) is not given upmost care from the family, with the exception of her concubine-ranked mother. In ancient China, children born of the main wife were considered the legitimate children, while concubine-born children were illegitimate. As a young girl, Shiyi Niang only experienced true familial love from her mother, who later dies in a tragic and mysterious way. Determined to find the murderer and avenge her mother, Shiyi Niang can only marry Xu Lingyi, the powerful marquis of the Xu manor, who was the husband of her eldest sister, Yuan Niang, before she died.
Shiyi Niang and Xu Lingyi's marriage is a perfect example of a normal marriage in ancient China, where parents would decide the spouse of their children. This couple started out without any love at all, but through various circumstances, romance started to bloom. The drama explores love from family, lovers and friends, as well as life in ancient China.
It should also be noted that a harem of a few concubines and children was perfectly normal in ancient China. Some viewers may be uncomfortable with this significant detail, but this picture of an influential official's harem frames ancient Chinese polygamy quite well. (I'm not implying that this is acceptable now, just that it was normal in ancient China, and we can also learn some history from it.)
My story rating dropped from a 9.5 to an eventual 8.5 after a few parts of the drama. Some parts were rather unnecessary, while other parts would have been much better off with more explanation (especially the ending, which felt very rushed). I have to admit that I started to get bored at times, but fortunately, the plot managed to keep the drama rolling.
Acting/Cast-9.0:
First, please allow me to say that the main reason I gave this drama such a high rating overall (9.0) is being of the character development. The Sword and the Brocade has one of the best character developments I have seen in dramas. Shiyi Niang is such an influential and motivational figure. Although she is concubine-born, she managed to win over the hearts of the entire Xu family, who were all cold and distant to her at first. Adding on to this trait, she also displays kindness and care towards her family, friends and anyone in need, and is willing to sacrifice if necessary. She is definitely not the whiny female lead, or a woman in ancient China who has to depend on her powerful husband to live well. She starts a, we'll call it an embroidery educational system, and she is quite good at teaching the young girls embroidery, being amazing at embroidery herself. (which is an essential talent for women in ancient China) As always, Tan Songyun slayed her role, perfectly pulling off this headstrong but caring female lead, who used her wits and kindness to gain the affection of her husband and respect of her new family members.
Wallace Chung did not disappoint as well. He kept the image of a powerful and intelligent marquis throughout the drama, one traumatized by the death of a few of his family members when he was quite young. This event also changed him to the cold man seen in the beginning of the drama, who only cared about filial-piety and protecting the nation. After Shiyi Niang's arrival, though, his change was clear and evident. He began displaying signs of affection towards not only her, but other family members as well. He began to understand the hardships of others, and also the importance of family (which, Shiyi Niang saw importance in as well).
There is a rather significant age gap between both the actors (Actress Tan Songyun and actor Zhong Hanliang) and the main leads in the drama, the gaps being 16 years and most likely 10 years respectively. I have noticed a disturbance in viewers after this discovery, but this gap did not bother me from enjoying the drama at all. Seven Tan and Wallace Chung had acceptable chemistry. Shiyi Niang and Xu Lingyi are a cute couple. Not so-cute-I-could-look-at-them-at-day cute, but they were a nice couple. There were a few intimate scenes, which were conducted fairly well.
Some of the other characters who won me over were Shiyi Niang's sisters, her Fifth Sister-in-Law, Hu Po, and so many others. Almost of all of the characters had amazing character development (excluding the antagonists, of course). It was normal for sisters to fight over the most trivial things, as the atmosphere in families were highly competitive, but Shiyi Niang stayed back, while her other concubine-born sisters gained more of the main wife's favor. One of her sisters was most deserving of my scorn, but I took the hate back as the drama started to near the end. Most of these actors and actresses did a wonderful job playing the roles of people living in ancient China, managing to make everyone's stories and goals realistic but also pretty relatable. The antagonists were fine, wanting to gain from greed and influence from others.
How did Shiyi Niang even manage to gain the respect of so many people and also establish such successful and stable relationships? These results can be attributed to a tiny bit of luck, but mostly her high EQ and patience that helped her in the long run. Even Xu Lingyi's mother, who disliked her greatly at first, eventually took to her as her own daughter. Shiyi Niang's personality is one that all of us can learn and benefit from.
Music-8.0:
The Sword and Brocade does not have a very memorable soundtrack, but it had nice songs nonetheless. I especially enjoyed he song sung by Seven Tan. Who knew that she has such a sweet and gentle voice! Fortunately though, my ears did not receive any complaints of the bgm or OSTs not matching with what was going on eith the drama, making the music a nice add-in.
Overall-8.5:
Overall, a great drama, and a great perception of Ming Dynasty life as well! Not only was the story intriguing, but the character developments are so rare and motivational, showing us how patience and kindness will pay off in the end. Greed will get us nowhere, and the antagonists got what they deserved in the end. From a girl who no one took much importance in to an influential wife of a powerful marquis, Shiyi Niang managed to achieve many things she never thought she would achieve, as well as help many people in the nation.
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If you´re in the mood for divertingly wasting your time in (retro-)style...
If you´re in the mood for divertingly wasting your time in style (retro-style to be precise).With a lightweight story, lots of action and some fun, too, this will perfectly do.
Its professionally done. You won´t regret it.
Other than that:
Too fast to be substantial or something that lasts or give something that remains. The focus here is on visual and acoustic effects. Storytelling is secondary. At least there was no saving on top-class actors. And, yes, they are in a good mood.
Recipe:
-top-class cast
-action with car chases
-hip scenery locations in the look of the 80s
-speed
-fancy retro styling - cool retro fashion (if you´re into it)
-all sorts of retro cars - styling and tuning (and noises, too)
-light and camera effects
-deliberately/supposedly ´cool as cool can be´
Final remark:
Never mind the drop of truth behind the backstory - corruption and money laundry in the context of the 1988 Olympics in SK. The bad (and good) guys could be anyone, anywhere. That's just the hook to give an interchangeable action movie at least a coating of its own: a Seoul-Vibe - here in an 80s retro look. (However, even this particular ´SEOUL´ Vibe shown could actually be anywhere - It´s more about an ´80s´ Vibe)
Overall, the movie comes across as a solid action movie production for an international audience.
Don´t expect unique Korean-style. (Except for the cast and their acting of course ... and even they can usually do much better, too...)
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Mankind's greed has no limits....
I've been anticipating this movie, for quite a while now and I have to say the wait was worth it.If you're one to get easily emotional, then get ready to grab your tissue box, because BoGum's doe eyes will make you cry and feel for his character, Seobok, who amid everything was still innocent and yet treated so unkindly by humans, through all his life. To never know kindness, love or trust, and see himself as nothing but a specimen with a purpose.
It truly depicts the lack of humanity when it comes to study and use animals for such, also the greed of those who fear death while seeking for a way to prolong their petty lives.
"It scare me to think of dying, but living forever is scary too."
Kiheon and Seobok both share something in common here, they both fear the unknown that lies in dying, and yet they are also afraid of living.
"What should I believe to not be scared?"
The symbolic value and moral grounds this movie works with are deeper than one can assume, and mainly questioned by the two main characters, along their journey, were their fears and doubts are exposed.
"Do you think dying... is really like sleeping?"
"Maybe."
"Then how come people aren't afraid to fall asleep? It's like dying for a while."
For some it might be the typical collaboration between Korean/American plot with the whole experiment and survival, however it's GongYoo and BoGum's acting that takes the prize.
Special effects too in a way when it comes to production.
The OST is nothing out of the ordinary for me, although quite right into the emotional scenes.
Not going to lie, it's quite an emotional ride.
The message in plot is more than it seems.
Its all about acceptance and resilience.
And knowing what's wrong and right.
"It's beautiful."
"What is?"
"To be alive."
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Mnet Didn't Surprise
Mnet didn't surprise me again, honestly, it's seriously driving me crazy ah, they clearly show that they look at the choreography like any other idol. They chose the ones that appealed to them. Another wasted program. prime kingz should not have been eliminated from this competition, it was the biggest loss, words are not enough, it was a very unfair program, I pity the participating dance groups.Some people's ignorant comments are annoying. Bank2brothers and prime kingz types are just too extreme. The Krumping type looks bigger, wild, and a bit exaggerated, while freestyle dancers like bank2brothers do the moves so professionally and fluidly that it seems like an easy genre. Dancing in such a flow is not for every brave man. Also the name of the program is street man fighter but it is the choreography that determines the elimination. Like a joke. Also, it's ridiculous to shoot a video and vote before the program is broadcast. and greedy I know. So there's no point in questioning the judges whose schedule is already full of bullshit.
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Golden Empire is simply gold but that gold isn’t for everyone to watch and I can fully understand why the audience would avoid a business/romance-free drama. Has it been a time when you were watching an excellent drama but you find out that most people are ignoring it and the internet buzz is almost inexistent? That’s my case with Empire of Gold.
If you want to watch this, forget about the synopsis; it’s misleading and makes you expect things you shouldn’t. This is a story about power struggle for 20 years in order to rule the golden empire which is Sung Jin Group that’s owned by the Choi family. The three main warriors are: Choi Seo Yeon; the daughter of Choi Dung Sung who’s the owner of the group, her cousin Choi Min Jae; the son of Choi Dung Jin who’s the co-founder of the group and Jang Tae Joo who built himself from scratch and came to win the Empire of gold.
Out of all currently airing Korean dramas I was watching synchronously with Golden Empire; this one managed to to snatch the top spot and remain as my top obsession all the way through; this drama excels in screenwriting and witty dialogues, this is a drama where billions were flying on the dining table and a cup of tea can decide someone’s destiny: Yes, I had to mention that because once the table is set for a cup of tea, you should know that you will be blown away by the characters’ dialogue. What I like the most about their dialogues are the metaphors, the quotes and the historical events that they use to deliver their ideas whether directly or indirectly that’s why I always thought that this drama’s writers are geniuses; not only they wrote amusing discussions but they also provided us intense thrilling events and intriguing twists without any drop of slow moments that can reduce our intention: loud claps for the most brilliant writers in Kdrama's history.
The acting department was simultaneously stunning; Go Soo, Lee Yo Won and Son Hyun Joo are astonishing actors that I can’t imagine this drama without them. Jang Tae Joo, Choi Seo Yeon and Choi Min Jae are equally alluring, smart and impressive; just get ready to cheer for them, hate them, love them, distrust them, pity them, curse them but the most important thing is that you will feel them. They led this drama and made the excitement within its storyline through the alliances, the schemes and the conspiracies that were masterminded by those three or the rest of the cast who were equally convincing as actors and highly appreciated as characters.
In a line, I want to give credit for the music that suited this drama’s business theme in a magnificent way.
The rewatch value is low because such an intense drama will lose its twists and the factor of surprise if it's rewatched.
To make the long story short; this drama isn’t directed for everyone but one thing’s for sure, it’s unlike other same-plot dramas since there are no cheesy moments, weak characters or shallow acting. This is a high class screenwriting that’s very rare to find in Korean or Asian dramas in general.
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Definitely catch it in theaters if you can., if only for all the handsome and pretty Woo Jins on the screen...
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